The Steps Of Maintaining Your Generator

When the power goes out, having a backup generator can be a real lifesaver—sometimes quite literally. Depending on the cause of the power outage and how long it will be until electrical service is restored, having a generator means you can keep refrigerated food fresh and use any medical devices that require electricity. Considering how important your generator is, you should take steps to keep your generator in tip-top shape. In addition to scheduling generator repair with a licensed electrical contractor in Frederick at the first sign of trouble, here are some things you can do on your own to maintain your generator.

Change the Oil

Just as your car needs regular oil changes to run efficiently, so too does your standby generator. It’s recommended that you change the oil in your generator at every 50-hour interval. Oil filters can typically go 100 hours or more before they need to be replaced. Similar to vehicle engine oil, generator oil is available in regular or synthetic. Although more expensive, synthetic oil will perform better for cold starts and while running in extreme heat or cold.

Replace the Spark Plugs

Dirty spark plugs can cause your generator to run inefficiently, and may even cause your generator to fail when you need it most. Take out the old spark plugs and inspect them at every oil change interval. If they are noticeably dirty, replace them with new spark plugs to keep your generator dependable and running efficiently.

Address Minor Problems

Any problems with your generator will only get worse over time, which is why it’s important that you contact a residential electrical company that provides generator repair at the first sign of trouble. That’s also why you should start your generator at least once a month to listen and look for any signs that might indicate the need for generator repair.